MEMBERS of Oxford's Muslim community gathered yesterday to pay their respects to former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Hundreds of people attended special prayer sessions at mosques in Manzil Way, Cowley Road and Iffley Road and Summertown Hall in Banbury Road.

At the mosque in Manzil Way, people spilled out on to the streets as more than 700 people turned up for the special prayers following the afternoon session.

Hojjhe Ramzy, head of the Iqra Faith and Islamic School in Littlemore, said it had been a fitting tribute to an amazing woman.

Dr Ramzy said: "The mosque was packed with people who came to pay their respects to Benazir Bhutto and all the others that were killed in this terrible attack.

"The loss of Benazir Bhutto is a sad day for all Muslims around the world. She believed in democracy and was a great leader.

"She knew her life was in danger by returning to Pakistan, but she was so brave and courageous and gave her life for her beliefs. She will be missed."

It is thought Ms Bhutto was killed when a gunman came from the crowd at an election rally in Rawalpindi and shot her in the neck and body.

The gunman then blew himself up in a suicide bomb attack on the crowd, which killed 20 other people.

Mohamed Irshad, 68, of Cowley Road, Oxford, who attended the prayer session at the Manzil Road mosque, said it was moving to see so many people come and pay their respects.

He said: "So many people have come and paid their respects today, which shows she was loved by many people."